What Type of Curtains or Drapes Do You Use for a French Door?

French doors give access to outdoor areas.

French doors are typically found on the back of a home, allowing access to outdoor areas from your kitchen, living room or bedroom. The doors have windows over much of the surface, which some homeowners choose to leave uncovered. However, some coverage is preferred by most to provide privacy. As with other window treatments in your home, the type of coverage you choose for your French doors is a personal preference with several options available.

Door Panels

Door panels fit over the windows of French doors and provide privacy while not impeding accessibility through the doors. The panels have a rod pocket at both the top and the bottom with the panels pulled taut between the rods and gathered. Door panels are available in sheer fabrics that allow light to filter through or decorator fabrics to coordinate with other window treatments in the room. If desired, you can use a tie in the center of the panels, giving the curtain an hourglass appearance.

Drapes

Some homeowners choose to hang draperies over French doors. The drapery rod is typically hung high above the doors and extends several inches beyond the door frame, with the draperies extending to the floor. If you choose a rod with large rings you can easily slide the draperies out of the way to allow light into the room and access to the doors. A draw drapery rod is suitable as well. Any fabric is appropriate for these curtains.

Shades

For a sleek, tailored look, you can install Roman shades on your French doors. The shades are mounted at the top of the windows. Pull them down part way using a pulley system to allow light to enter the room or pull them all the way down for complete privacy. Another option is to install slatted blinds or roller shades over the windows. These are cut to fit the dimensions of the windows and have the advantage of allowing complete or partial coverage, similar to Roman shades.

Valances

A valance is a fabric window treatment that is positioned at the top of a window, covering only the top portion of the window. Valances are used either alone or as a topper over drapes or blinds. Custom valances for French doors may coordinate with the room décor and other window treatments in the room.

About the Author

Michele Norfleet is a freelance writer who writes on travel, home and garden and education topics. She has coauthored a handbook for teachers on school-wide discipline and has contributed tips for special-needs students in the basal curriculum for RCL Benziger. Norfleet holds a master's degree from Southern Illinois University and has experience as a special-needs teacher and speech pathologist.